Praying Backwards: Transform Your Prayer Life by Beginning in Jesus' Name

The words "in Jesus' name, Amen"—traditionally used to close Christian prayer—take on significantly deeper meaning thanks to Chapell's newest book. The former pastor, now president of Covenant Theological Seminary, urges readers to use that routine phrase as the premise and basis for prayer rather than merely tacking it on at the end. Chapell offers a well-written, well-organized discussion of prayer based on Jesus' prayer life and biblical principles. The book is unusually rigorous and insightful. Chapell answers tough questions—Why bother to pray? Why does God want persistent prayer? How can we know God's will?—with sound, biblical answers. His metaphor of praying within the "fence posts" of righteousness and prudence along the road to God's will is especially apt. He also includes a thorough discussion of the role of the Holy Spirit, sometimes overlooked in other books on prayer. Finally, Chapell doesn't hesitate to admit that prayer, patience and understanding God's plan are difficult. He says that believers don't need to stop putting "in Jesus' name" at the end of prayer; they need to start putting God's priorities first. As he explains, "Praying in Jesus' name is not merely the postscript to a good prayer; it is the prelude to God's providing the best of all things for his loved ones." (July)